Breviceps fuscus

The species is only found on the southern slopes of the Cape Fold Belt from Swellendam to the Outeniqua Mountains, at elevations of up to over 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It is a burrowing species inhabiting fynbos and forest fringes and does not require the presence of open water.[1]

Breviceps fuscus have a round body with short limbs and toes. They grow to about 40–51 mm (1.6–2.0 in) in snout–vent length. Skin has no warts, but pronounced widely spaced granules or small tubercles and pitting are present. Colouration is typically dark brown or nearly black, with a slightly lighter ventrum and no pigmented patterns.[3]

Males call from within burrows (sometimes while guarding eggs) and from above-ground vegetation. The call is a short (0.2 s) "chirp", with a dominant frequency of 1.8 kHz. The eggs are laid within burrows with small (15 mm) openings and about 30–40 mm deep. Each nest consists of approximately 42–43 yellow eggs that are 5 mm in diameter inside 8 mm capsules.[3] Like frogs in the family Brevicipitidae in general,[7] Breviceps fuscus show direct development[1][3] (i.e., there is no free-living larval stage).[8]

Breviceps fuscus has many survival mechanism to combat predators Including The ability to burrow up to 20 Centimeters Deep (8 Inches)[9] They have also been observed to puff up as a defense mechanism. When in danger, they fill up with air to appear bigger in an attempt to ward off predators like bush pigs, birds, and snakes.[9] Their distress call is a short high pitched chirp. They also have small lumps all over their body this is believed to be a mechanism to deter predators as to a predator these lumps appear poisonous although it is not believed that they are poisonous

Breviceps fuscus is a locally abundant species but does not tolerate habitat disturbance. Habitat loss caused by afforestation, the spread of alien vegetation, and too frequent fires are threats to it. However, overall, its habitat is well protected and it occurs in several protected areas.[1]

The specific name fuscus refers to the dark coloration of this species as the animal is usually dark brown or black.[3]

the diet of the black rain frog isn't well known but we know it consist of small insects, spiders and worms the are also known to eat various types of larvae and small crickets[10]

• Vitt, Laurie J. & Caldwell, Janalee P. (2014). Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (4th ed.). Academic Press. 757 pp.